Scarlet gilia for birds in Idaho
Red trumpets for Broad-tailed and Rufous hummingbirds. Native to Idaho, where it feeds or shelters 4 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Ipomopsis aggregata
- Native status
- Native in Idaho
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3b–7b
- What birds get from it
- nectar
- Idaho birds supported
- 4
- Nesting birds among them
- 4
Growing conditions in Idaho
Semi-arid sagebrush plains along the Snake River and forested mountains to the north and center.
Hot, dry summers in the Snake River Plain and cool mountain summers.
Idaho birds that use Scarlet gilia
Summer breeders (4)
Black-chinned Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Bullock's Oriole
Nesting season it supports in Idaho
Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use Scarlet gilia:
- Black-chinned Hummingbird — April–July
- Rufous Hummingbird — May–June
- Broad-tailed Hummingbird — June–July
- Bullock's Oriole — May–July
Native plants to pair with Scarlet gilia in Idaho
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Nectar-rich in summer, seed for finches in fall.
Blue-violet spikes favored by Broad-tailed Hummingbirds.
Early spring blooms fuel returning Rufous Hummingbirds.
Frequently asked
Is Scarlet gilia native to Idaho?
Yes. Scarlet gilia (Ipomopsis aggregata) is recorded as native in Idaho. Idaho spans USDA 3b–7b.
What birds does Scarlet gilia attract in Idaho?
In Idaho, Scarlet gilia supports 4 backyard birds, including Black-chinned Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Bullock's Oriole.
Does Scarlet gilia help nesting birds in Idaho?
4 of those birds nest in Idaho: Black-chinned Hummingbird (April–July), Rufous Hummingbird (May–June), Broad-tailed Hummingbird (June–July), Bullock's Oriole (May–July).
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Idaho
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- Audubon Native Plants Database
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.